Pergamon Museum
Why the
Pergamon Museum
in Berlin is specialThe Pergamon Museum displays massive, original archeological treasures from the Near East and Middle East.
Pergamon Museum tips and insights
Pergamon Altar - the museum's leading attraction
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Immense size
To get a sense of scale of this mammoth structure, notice the red-sweatered man climbing the steps in the photo above.
- How it got here
The 22-century-old Pergamon Altar was excavated a century ago from the Pergamon Acropolis in what is now Turkey, then disassembled, shipped and reconstructed in Berlin.
- Sculptures
The friezes to his left and right are the Pergamon Altar's masterpieces. The sculptures show the Olympian gods battling the Titan giants.
The honor goes to the immense and colorful 6th century BC Ishtar Gate from ancient Babylon (in today's Iraq).
Other artistic standouts in the Pergamon Museum
They include the colossal Market Gate of Miletus built in Roman times, the facade of Nebuchadnezzar's Throne Room, and the Islamic art collection.
Controversy
It is regarding whether the Pergamon Museum should return some of its archeological treasures to their homelands.
Nearby museums
The Pergamon is but one of several prominent museums on a small island in the middle of Berlin. One, the Altes (Old) Museum, showcases the famous painted bust of the Egyptian Queen Nefertiti.
Location in Germany
